Saint-Saëns was an inveterate traveller with a particular love for North Africa and this concerto earns its nickname not only because it was written on one of the composer’s many holidays in Luxor, but also because it is some of Saint-Saëns’ most exotic writing, containing references to Javanese, Spanish and Middle Eastern musical traditions.

This concert also features Elgar’s First Symphony which was premiered to a rapturous response in 1908, with a slow movement that is counted amongst his most beautiful writing.Conducting the Orchestra is Principal Guest Conductor, Jac van Steen.